As an independent real estate agent or agent in a small office you are at the mercy of your printed marketing materials. Some materials you can run off copies on a copier at your office once you have a compelling graphic design completed that will assist you in generating leads and sales. But before you have that initial set done the greatest value to your business will come from maximizing your closing opportunities and commissions through custom design work.
Finding that printing partner can be a challenge. Should you shop online or go to your local printer? How do you design the card so it is memorable to your clients increasing your referral business? How quickly can you get the cards?
Many people will go down to their local printer, look through their portfolio book and pick one, adding their own contact details and a logo and a week or two from then have their business cards. It’s one way to do it that is fine for a generic business card. But the smart money is going shopping online and looking for a printer that targets your industry specifically.
Browse out to your favorite search engine and type “real estate business card” or “realtor business card”. The companies offering printing services can be classified into two broad categories. The first are the ultra large printing companies who offer super low cost printed products normally from a template library on their website. Graphic design is not part of the service; they charge extra for it. The second type of printing company is a boutique real estate printer who offers graphic design services with the product order.
No matter if you choose an online or offline company, go with the printer who has demonstrated industry knowledge and design work. The best companies to maximize your sales will be able to guide you through the process of creating specific targeted material for your market segment and customers.
Consider this as a potential customer. You are handed a flimsy business card with ho-hum graphic designs and no targeted message. You are also handed a sturdy business card made from superior (thick) card stock with a photo quality graphic design and laser focused targeted sales copy on the business card. What are you going to think about the respective owners? As the business card owner make the most of this first impression and grab the customer by their eyeballs to command their attention and cement your business relationship.
Selling any product but most especially real estate requires solid relationship building skills as well as plenty of perseverance and professionalism. All qualities that exist inside you. The primary way you can complement your qualities is through sharp printed marketing material that enhances your personal image and offered services.
The process of printing is important but not the most important way to enhance your personal image and professionalism. Impacting that is dependent on the graphic design you choose. The sum of the logos, photos, text, glossy or matte finishes on the final product. All things that the printing company is an expert in.
Choose the printing company at the end of the day that fits best with your business and personal goals. There is something to be said for you using the local printer in your home town as well as for using a specialty printer on the internet. Go into the process with the end goal in mind and maximize the opportunity to increase your sales. Good Luck!
